Hyllus
Father, I dread the purpose which your words
1180portend, but I will do as you think best.
Heracles
Then first of all place your right hand in mine.
Hyllus
Why do you urge this needless pledge upon me?
Heracles
Give me your hand, and do not disobey me.
Hyllus
Here: I cannot refuse you anything.
Heracles
Swear by the head of Zeus, who is my father...
Hyllus
To do what? Will you tell me this as well?
Heracles
To carry out the task which I command you.
Hyllus
I swear it then - and may Zeus be my witness!
Heracles
Pray, if you break your oath, that you may suffer.
Hyllus
1190I shall not break my oath; yet I so pray.
Heracles
Now . . . do you know Zeus' sacred mountain Oeta?
Hyllus
Yes. I have often sacrificed upon it.
Heracles
That is the place where you must carry me
with your own hands, and with what friends you choose.
There hew the wood of deeply-rooted oaks
and slash the trunks of wild male olive trees,
placing my body on a pyre made from them;
then take a brightly blazing torch of pine
and light the pyre. And do not moan and weep,
1200for if you are my son you will perform this
without a sigh or tear. If not, my curse,
even when I am dead, will weigh upon you.